Biol 498, Independent Research
In this course, students plan, conduct, and communicate
the results of an independent research project in
Biological Sciences under the direction of a faculty
supervisor. Registration will be contingent on the
student having made prior arrangements with a faculty
member willing to supervise the research. Note: This
course is intended for students in the final year
of their degree and Biol 337 is strongly recommended
if taking with me. This course may be taken up to
two times.
Biol 495, Special Topics:
Contemporary Topics in Freshwater Ecology (Fall 2013)
This course introduces students to contemporary issues
surrounding freshwater ecology as related to anthropogenic
and natural impacts, research, policy, and practice.
The role of society is examined. Building upon concepts
from Biol 310, Freshwater Ecology, this seminar-based
course provides opportunities for students to explore
critical freshwater ecological issues through reviews
of the relevant literature, media, examination of
case studies, in-depth discussions with peers and
others, development of presentations on specific topics,
and writing associated review-papers. The focus will
be on Canada, but the topics will include local to
international level issues and challenges. Guest speakers
will round out the curriculum. Minimum grade of B-
in Biol 310 (or equivalent course), plus two (2) other
300 to 400 level ecology/biology based courses each
with a minimum grade of B-. The instructor will consider
students who do not fulfill all of these requirements
Biol 410, Field Methods
in Ecology
This course exposes students to the opportunities,
advantages, and challenges of collecting biological
information in the field, rather than in a aboratory
setting. Students use commonly employed techniques
and methods used to study organisms in aquatic, wetland
and terrestrial settings. Students are expected to
collect, analyze, and present field data in the form
of a formal research paper.
Biol 337, Biological Statistics
This course introduces students to the methods and steps used in experimental design, data collection, organization, analysis, and presentation of biological data. The advantages and disadvantages of different sampling designs and the benefits and limitations of various data types for testing biological hypotheses are discussed. Laboratory activities illustrate how databases and spreadsheets can be used in data analysis and assignments will include scientific writing. NOTE: It is recommended students have STAT 141 and/or STAT 151.
Biol 310, Freshwater Ecology
This course examines the abiotic and biotic aspects of freshwater environments, including streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, groundwaters, and wetlands. Adaptations and ecological roles of bacteria, fungi, plants, protists, and animals will be outlined and abiotic and biotic interactions examined. Discussions will emphasize, but not be limited to, Alberta environments, and include anthropogenic influences. The laboratory exposes students to a number of empirical techniques commonly used in studying and measuring ecological processes in freshwater ecosystems.
Biol 208, Principles in
Ecology
Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms
and their environment. These include interactions
at the individual, population, community, and ecosystem
levels. Topics presented include abiotic and biotic
factors that form an organism's environment, models
of population growth and factors controlling growth,
competition and predator-prey interactions in communities,
energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Laboratories
emphasize collection, analysis, and interpretation
of experimental data. These experiments are drawn
from a broad range of organisms and ecological systems,
and complement lecture material.
